Image Source
In Kumar Sangakkara's eyes, aggressive mentality. The English opening batsman of Rajasthan Royals can play the shot that is needed when the team needs it. This is the quality that sets Jos Butler apart from the rest.
And after watching his innings on the way to Rajasthan's victory against Bangalore in the IPL tomorrow, Sangakkara can't remember exactly if anyone has batted so well before in the history of IPL.
In the second qualifier, Bangalore scored 156 runs for 8 wickets after batting yesterday. Butler's century helped Rajasthan reach the final with 11 balls to spare. The English wicketkeeper-batsman was unbeaten on 108 off 60 balls. 7 sixes and 10 fours in an innings.
Rajasthan Royals director and Sri Lankan legend Sangakkara said of Butler's place in batting power, "The way he plays, what else. There is some place for energy. When they get confidence in those places, they force the bowlers to bowl there. '
Butler talking to teammates after the match-winning innings
Butler talks to teammates after match winning innings: IPL
Sangakkara explained, ‘He’s great against spin. Can play all kinds of shots. He decides which shots to play one day and which ones not. The best thing about Joss Butler is that he can make quick runs at any time. It is seen that he is batting for 30 runs from 30 balls, then it can be seen that he will make 80-90 off 50 balls. It's hard to imagine what he's done for us this season. Has made a very good start to the tournament. After that, maybe he lost a little bit of food but it was calm. He not only practiced but also talked to everyone about them. He is a human being, he will not be able to perform at the top level every day. '
Butler has scored 624 runs in 16 innings in 16 matches in the IPL this time. He is the highest run-getter this season. He also has a maximum of four centuries at an average of 56.75 in 151.48 strikeouts. Butler did not do well in all the matches.
He has managed to reach double digits only once in four matches before playing in the play-offs. That was also an innings of only 30 runs. The English star himself said yesterday, ‘This season (with myself) there were simple expectations. But I was looking forward to playing in the tournament. It's great to be here and still be able to get to the finals. '
Sangakkara thinks that although Butler did not always do well in all the matches, his good performance in different situations of the match set him apart from the rest. Yes, the batting is ugly. Someday it will be in rhythm again. The reality is that the condition can no longer be fought. Fighting is possible only where what is happening on the field. The innings has to be settled. He can make quick runs at any time. He has all kinds of shots in his hand and understands the game very well. I don't remember anyone in the history of IPL batting so well. '
Butler, however, gave a simple explanation of himself. He wants to win every match, "I always try to understand the situation. We work on what to do when and what skills are needed in that situation. Sometimes maybe start a little slower. Although in my mind I never thought that would happen. I always want to bat fast. But sometimes the situation becomes difficult. Then the ignorant mind wants to play big shots, it also has to be out. So that's exactly what Sangakkara said - the longer someone stays on the wicket, the sooner or later (the rhythm of the stroke game) will return. '